Off-Road Supremacy: 2024 Jeep Wrangler vs 2024 Ford Bronco

The SUV class is arguably the most competitive segment of the market. For off-roaders, the return of the Ford Bronco has piqued curiosity, especially because it means that its classic rivalry with the Jeep Wrangler would be renewed for a new generation. For any adventurers thinking about finding a Jeep Wrangler for sale, there’s some curiosity about how the contest between these old rivals will play out in 2024. For this reason, we will examine both vehicles and their attributes to determine which one is better suited for those who favor taking their adventures off the pavement.

It All Starts With the Powertrain

Any experienced off-roader will attest that an exceptional powertrain is the most fundamental element of any successful adventure. The Wrangler and Bronco both have multiple offerings available for the 2024 model year, and it’s only fitting that we begin our examination here.

The 2024 Ford Bronco has three unique powertrains that can be fully utilized, with each one having its own unique advantages to offer. The base engine takes the form of a turbocharged 2.3L four-cylinder that offers 300 hp. The second available powertrain, a turbocharged 2.7L V6, delivers more power in the form of 330 hp. Access to the most potent engine in the Bronco lineup means choosing the desert-running Raptor edition, which packs a punch courtesy of a twin-turbocharged V6 that boasts 418 hp.

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler also has three options available. However, experienced off-roaders will be the first to recognize that the Jeep Wrangler has more varied options, allowing drivers to choose a powertrain that perfectly suits their needs. The base offering is a reliable naturally aspirated 3.6L V6 with 285 hp, which offers old-school simplicity and an available six-speed manual transmission. Drivers who want to find a balance between performance and economy can opt for a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder with 270 hp. The smaller four-cylinder offers an estimated 20 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway for 21 MPG combined, which exceeds any of the Bronco’s engines.

Jeep’s final option is ideal for drivers who favor high-output performance and the rumble of a classic V8 engine. Drivers who choose the Rubicon 392 edition of the Wrangler will have 470 hp at their disposal, courtesy of a 6.4L HEMI V8, overpowering even the mighty Bronco Raptor. The 2024 model year is the last chance to get this engine in the Wrangler, and Jeep is offering a commemorative Rubicon 392 Final Edition to celebrate it.

The Ford Bronco has powertrains that are big on performance but lack the variety of what one finds with the Jeep Wrangler. With a highly capable traditional V6 base engine, an efficient and powerful turbocharged version, and an unstoppable HEMI V8, there’s a version of the 2024 Jeep Wrangler for everyone.

Technology for the Modern Off-Roader

Naturally, there’s more to off-roading than just the powertrain, but it’s what provides a foundation for any adventure. The modern off-roader requires access to the technologies that all of us utilize on a daily basis. Many of the tech-savvy items that modern vehicles are equipped with are accessible by way of the infotainment screen.

The 2024 Ford Bronco’s interior is centered around a 12-inch touchscreen powered by SYNC 4, a comprehensive software suite that provides wireless compatibility with Apple and Android products and receives over-the-air updates to ensure drivers have the newest version.

Like the Bronco, the 2024 Jeep Wrangler’s interior has a screen that anchors it. However, it has a larger 12.3-inch screen that is powered by Uconnect 5, which offers some notable advantages over the features offered by SYNC 4. For starters, Uconnect 5 allows drivers access to GPS navigation and a Wi-Fi hotspot that allows connectivity for eight separate devices.

The Wrangler also has access to unique off-road-oriented tech features that any adventurer would want to utilize. Off-Road Trail Guides, a library with over 200 locations for adventure, is something every off-roader can benefit from when choosing the next excursion off the beaten path.

Proper access to technology is an important aspect of choosing the right vehicle. In the rough and tumble world of off-roading, the 2024 Wrangler is primed and ready with the basic infotainment components and additional items geared towards activities off the pavement.

Interior Design

Usually, an interior might not be a determining factor when selecting the ideal means of off-roading enjoyment, but hear us out. The interior is where you’ll spend most of your time, and an effective design can make all the difference in the fast-paced world of bumps and sharp turns.

Part of the appeal of the Ford Bronco is how much design has gone into capturing the magic of yesteryear. This means a broad open dashboard with the infotainment screen placed at the center. This layout might be agreeable to city drivers, but the Wrangler offers a layout that’s more in tune with what most off-roaders gravitate toward.

First, the Wrangler’s shifter, traditional transfer case lever, and steering wheel are all close to one another. Having these essential items grouped together means less chance of distraction and a more engaging experience behind the wheel. Both vehicles can have their doors removed, instantly turning either SUV into an instant dune buggy.

Ford’s strong emphasis on nostalgia for past Bronco versions is good for some, but not all. The Jeep Wrangler places the necessary controls and items closer to the driver and is designed for the ultimate off-roading experience.

Off-Road Prowess and Capability

Now that powertrains, technology, and design have all been thoroughly examined, we will focus on some of the basics essential for the off-roading experience. Items such as ground clearance, multiple driving modes, and skid plates are all part and parcel of an enjoyable and safe adventure.

The Ford Bronco offers 8.3 inches of ground clearance standard and multiple driving modes as part of the GOAT (Goes Over Any Terrain) terrain management system. To unlock the Bronco’s full off-roading potential, including high-performance features such as Baja mode and maximum ground clearance, drivers need to opt for the Raptor version, which also comes with quite a hefty price tag.

The Jeep Wrangler makes the items that off-roaders look for more accessible. It has a more substantial 9.7 inches of standard ground clearance and can ford through 30 inches of water. The Jeep Wrangler also comes standard with a variety of skid plates and a two-speed transfer case for an adventure you’ll never forget. Available items that can turn the Wrangler into a true off-road dynamo include steel bumpers and a suspension meant to handle any terrain, no matter how inhospitable it may be.

The Bronco certainly offers many features, but it all depends on how much money you’re willing to spend. On top of having a lower MSRP, the Jeep Wrangler is geared towards off-roading and has all the items to make any adventure possible, from the base trims on up.

The Wrangler Remains the Ultimate Off-Roader

When it comes to the world of off-roading, having the best vehicle that can tame any terrain and make roadblocks and obstacles a non-issue is essential. Both the Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler are suited for the task at hand. However, there has to be a clear-cut winner in this competition, and it’s the Jeep Wrangler by a landslide. Besides offering more variety with powertrains suited for any type of dryer, the Wrangler is designed for off-roading with its ground clearance, water-fording ability, and technological attributes that help you find the perfect destination.

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